Michigan hospitals began implementing Pronovost's checklists in ICUs in 2003. Within three months, hospital-acquired infections at typical ICUs in the state dropped from 2.7 per 1,000 patients to zero. More than 1,500 lives were saved in the first 18 months.

The only burning question is why this method is not spreading more quickly!!??!!

California and Spain top a long list of places that soon hope to replicate Michigan's results. Pronovost says the checklist protocol could be rolled out nationwide within two years for less than $3 million.